Sergio Busquets announces his retirement at the age of 37

Sergio Busquets, one of the most iconic midfielders in the history of Spanish and world football, has announced his retirement as a professional player at the age of 37. The current player of Inter Miami CF shared the news this Thursday through his social media, accompanied by an emotional video in which he reflects on key moments of his career and expresses gratitude to all the people and clubs that have shaped his journey.

“Hello everyone, I feel that the time has come to say goodbye to my career as a professional soccer player. It has been almost 20 years enjoying this incredible journey that I always dreamed of,” he begins in the video. “Soccer has given me unique experiences, in wonderful places, alongside the best teammates,” he adds in another segment.

Busquets reflects on his beginnings, from his childhood in Badía del Vallès, through clubs like Barberà, Lleida, and Jabac, until arriving at Barça's youth team. He expressed deep gratitude to FC Barcelona, which he described as the club of his life. "There, I fulfilled the dreams I had as a child, wore the jersey I loved in hundreds of matches, celebrated many titles, and experienced unforgettable moments at Camp Nou," he stated.

He also had words for the Spanish national team, with which he played 143 matches and won the World Cup in 2010 and the Euro Cup in 2012. “Thank you to the Spanish National Team; it was an honor to represent it so many times and to enjoy achievements that will always remain in my heart,” he stated.

Busquets thanked Inter Miami for allowing him to close his career in a new professional stage. "Thank you to Inter Miami for letting me be part of a new and growing club, where I wanted to live a new experience and contribute my part," he said.

The midfielder reserved his final words for his closest circle: “Thank you to all my teammates, the staff, and everyone with whom I shared so many beautiful and unforgettable moments. The best thing I take with me is all of you. Thank you to the fans worldwide for your love and respect. I hope I was able to give you back a small part of what you have all meant to me," he said in the video made up of memorable moments from his career.

"And of course, thanks to my family, who have always been by my side since I was a small child, giving their all to make me happy and help me achieve my dreams. To my wife and my children, who have been and continue to be the pillars of my life, thank you for always being by my side, in good times and bad. I love you all very much.” He concluded with a calm farewell: “These will be my last months on the field. I retire very happy, proud, fulfilled, and, above all, grateful. Thank you very much to everyone. See you soon,” he ended his words.

After his announcement, Inter Miami issued an official statement confirming that Busquets will retire at the end of the current Major League Soccer season, once the playoffs conclude.

The club highlighted his importance both on and off the field since his arrival in 2023. “Since his arrival, Busquets has been instrumental in the club's growth, contributing vision and quality in midfield, as well as his experience and leadership,” stated the official note. It is also noted that he was part of the team's recent achievements: the Leagues Cup 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield 2024.

"The team is now looking forward to your contribution in the final stretch of the campaign, which will conclude an extraordinary journey that places him among the greatest midfielders of all time,” the text concluded.

The announcement has sparked a wave of messages of love and recognition on social media. FC Barcelona released a tribute video with the message "Sergio Busquets, Culer forever."

Andrés Iniesta, one of his most loyal teammates on the field, expressed heartfelt words accompanied by photographs that summarize a friendship forged in excellence: “What a privilege it has been to share all these years with you, brother. How I have enjoyed being by your side! You are undoubtedly one of the greatest in the history of football. You have a unique way of playing that will forever remain in our memories.”

Sergio Ramos also joined in, who was a rival in many classics and a teammate in so many feats with the Spanish national team. "Busi, you are the definition of how to be exceptional while still being a regular guy," wrote the Andalusian defender. "Most of the time a rival, often a teammate, you have always stood out for your classy football, vision, and quality, as well as for your humble and authentic nature. Football loses one of the brightest midfielders I've ever played with."

Busquets made his debut with the FC Barcelona first team in 2008 under Pep Guardiola, and he remained at the Catalan club for fifteen seasons. During that time, he established himself as a key player in the team that dominated world football and amazed the planet with its style.

With Barça, he won 32 official titles, including nine La Ligas, seven Copa del Rey titles, seven Spanish Supercups, three Champions Leagues, three UEFA Supercups, and three Club World Cups. Additionally, he shared the dressing room with stars like Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Piqué, and Dani Alves, being part of the most decorated team in the club's history.

Upon his arrival in Miami in July 2023, Busquets reunited with former Barcelona teammates such as Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez. At that time, CiberCuba reported on his trip from Madrid and his official presentation at a large event at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

His retirement marks the end of an era. One of the great midfielders of modern football is leaving, a player who made short passing, tactical reading, and on-field intelligence his trademarks. Football loses a silent leader, one who leaves a mark without fanfare, with elegance, and with a serene gratitude that perfectly encapsulates his legacy.

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